Inside the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case

October 28, 2010

Hosted by Francie Koehler, CPI, CCDI

Guest Information

Episode Description

Three Duke University Lacrosse Players Charged With Rape! Explosive headlines polarized the country. A top university with a prestigious athletic department was smeared and student Reade Seligman and two classmates were charged in the midst of racial insults and an atmosphere of race versus privilege. As the news unfolds, there are lies and alibis and the story of a prosecutor who crossed an ethical line to sort through. Facing 25 years behind bars, all three defendants were found to be falsely accused and their charges were dismissed. But in a surprising turn of events, Durham County Prosecutor Mike Nifong, who seemingly believed the accuser and withheld exonerating DNA evidence, was ultimately disbarred by the North Carolina State Bar for ethics violations. Tune in to hear acclaimed North Carolina lawyer, Duke University graduate and counsel to Reade Seligman, James P. Cooney III, tell the inside scoop.

Francie Koehler, CPI, CCDI

Francie Koehler’s career as a licensed private investigator includes cases that have sparked media projects. "Unsolved Mysteries" portrayed one of her missing person cases. British author Val McDermid featured her capital case in "A Suitable Job for A Woman" and true crime writer Ann Rule chronicled a case she investigated involving a missing nightclub owner entitled "In The Name Of Love." Francie drew on her investigative and retail experience to create the 3-part video, "Loss Prevention - The Big Picture." International results included an invitation to Moscow, where she spoke to Russian nationals interested in privatization. Francie is the former two-term president of both the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS) and the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI). Awarded by each organization for her work, she serves as Legislative Chair for both and regularly testifies before the California State Legislature regarding bills of concern to PI’s. Francie has been recognized by her state regulatory agency for outstanding service to her profession. In addition, she holds memberships in the Council for International Investigators, National Association of Legal Investigators, World Association of Detectives, and California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Francie also works with the Innocence Project and holds certifications as a Conflict Mediator, Legal Investigator, Professional Investigator and Criminal Defense Investigator.